Associate Professor Department of Biology University of Regina Regina, SK. Canada S4S 0A2 office: (306) 337 2417 lab: (306) 337 2418 fax: (306) 337 2410 email: Richard.Manzon@uregina.ca

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My research interests are directed towards understanding the regulation and interactions of endocrine systems and how these systems influence the physiology and development of vertebrates. My approach to research is multidisciplinary and involves the utilization of tools within the fields of physiology, protein biochemistry, and molecular and cellular biology; the ultimate goal is a better understanding of processes in the organism as a whole.

One focus of the research in my laboratory is aimed at deciphering the paradox of thyroid hormones and lamprey metamorphosis. Thyroid hormones appear to inhibit lamprey metamorphosis; this is opposite to the situation in most other vertebrates where thyroid hormones positively modulate major developmental events and/or life history transitions.

Ongoing research projects include:

1. Developmentally regulated serum thyroid hormone distributor proteins.
2. Cloning and characterization of thyroid hormone deiodinases: modulating thyroid hormone availability and activity at the level of cells and tissues.
3. Spatial and temporal expression of thyroid and retinoid-X receptors during lamprey metamorphosis.
4. Thyroid hormone-responsive genes in lampreys, keys to the paradox of thyroidal regulation of metamorphosis.

Pending research projects:

1. Neuroendocrine regulation of larval lamprey thyroid tissue (endostyle).
2. Characterizing the neuroendocrine stress response in lampreys.
3. Isolation and characterization of thyroid hormone distributor proteins in teleost fishes of ancient lineage.
4. Thyroidal regulation of life history transitions in teleost fishes.

I am Currently Seeking Graduate Students